Are pet owners allowed to stay with their animal during an overnight pet clinic stay?

Most 24-hour clinics do not allow owners to stay with their pets overnight. However, many do have specific visiting hours or will let owners see their pets at any point during the day. In addition, owners can call most clinics at any time for an update on their pet's well being.

What should be included in a pet first-aid kit?

Important phone numbers, especially those of the the veterinary clinic, the animal hospital or emergency clinic, and the poison control center

A book detailing pet first-aid steps

Copy of medical records

Nylon leash

Muzzle (only use if pet is not vomiting and has no difficulty breathing)

Absorbent gauze

Nonlatex disposable gloves

Scissors

Tweezers

Nail clippers

Digital thermometer

Sterile saline solution

Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting only at the recommendation of a veterinarian

Milk of magnesia (to absorb poison only at the recommendation of a veterinarian)

What is the right care facility for a pet health emergency?

Find a 24-hour animal hospital that provides emergency services within your area. Keep the facility's contact information in a place that's easy to locate, such as the refrigerator, address book, or smartphone. Most veterinary clinics operate on standard business hours and are not equipped to handle emergencies.

What's the difference between a veterinary clinic and an animal hospital?

Veterinary clinics operate on a smaller scale than animal hospitals. The latter are more likely open 24 hours and provide emergency services. The former generally operate on typical office hours and only perform wellness exams and minor surgeries. Veterinary clinics also do not generally perform laboratory tests on site.

What should I bring to my pet's veterinary appointment?

The specifics vary depending on the type of visit. For a wellness exam, bring:

Medical records

The type or brand of food the pet eats

Medication (including flea, tick, and heartworm medication).

If the animal needs medical treatment, the following may be helpful depending on the situation: